8 entities join forces to implement nationalization of indoor malls in al-Qassim

As the governorate of al-Qassim region supports the move, a number of entities including The Ministry of Labor and Social Development, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, and Ministry of Commerce will implement on Thursday (Sept. 21) the decision aiming to nationalize jobs at indoor shopping centers in the region.

MLSD said in a press statement the decision is in a bid to increase Saudi workforce’s participation in the labor market and nationalize jobs in the private sector with the aim of targeting various shops in malls and shopping centers, generating decent work and rewarding benefits for Saudi nationals in the al-Qassim region.

Additionally, it offers quality solutions to enhance productive and sustainable nationalization, close gabs between jobs occupied by expatriates, as well as plays a major role in supporting entrepreneurs.

The decision also involves social security beneficiaries and residents of care houses and charitable organizations in the labor market, turning them into productive individuals through training and employment that MLSD and its affiliates offer in order to regulate and develop the labor market.

Meanwhile, the participating entities will carry out inspection rounds in support of the total nationalization of the shopping malls in the region in order to ensure employers’ compliance to replacing expats with Saudi nationals.
The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) and Social Development Bank (SDB) have designed training and rehabilitation programs and loans for Saudi entrants. These programs are in cooperation with the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC).
Such schemes are vital to get more Saudi men and women employed in this important sector, a move that helps localize indoor malls.
The ministry and its affiliates would also formulate public-private partnership to provide transportation and baby care centers for Saudi females employed at these malls, ensuring suitable work environment and career stability for them.

Around 4,000 jobs are expected to be occupied by Saudi males and females amid the enforcement of the decision in the al-Qassim region.